The Mortuary – Haunted Funeral Home in New Orleans, Louisiana

The Mortuary is one of New Orleans’ most infamous haunted locations, a former funeral home that now serves as both a haunted attraction and a hotspot for real paranormal activity. Sitting ominously on Canal Street, this grand, old building has a chilling history tied to death, grief, and spirits that refuse to move on. With decades of embalming and funerals conducted within its walls, many believe that the souls of the departed still linger, making it one of the most haunted places in Louisiana.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1872
• Original Purpose: Funeral home
• Significant Events:
  • Functioned as a fully operational funeral home and crematorium for over 80 years.
  • Thousands of bodies were embalmed and prepared for burial within the building.
  • Local legends suggest that some workers refused to be alone in the embalming room, claiming to hear whispers and see shadowy figures.

Paranormal Activity Summary

The Mortuary is notorious for its unsettling supernatural encounters. Visitors and staff frequently report:

• Unexplained cold spots throughout the building.
• Objects moving on their own, including doors slamming and chairs shifting.
• Disembodied voices murmuring near the embalming room.
• Dark shadow figures seen lurking in hallways.
• The apparition of a ghostly undertaker, spotted walking up and down the staircase.
• The feeling of being touched or grabbed by unseen hands.

Ghost Stories & Reports

Numerous spirits are said to haunt The Mortuary, each with its own eerie backstory:

• The Silent Undertaker: Witnesses claim to have seen the spectral form of a man in a black suit, resembling an old-time funeral director. He appears briefly in doorways or at the base of the staircase before vanishing.
• The Weeping Woman: A spirit believed to be a grieving widow has been seen in the viewing rooms, crying softly before fading into thin air.
• Unseen Forces in the Embalming Room: Staff and visitors report overwhelming dread in the former embalming area, with some claiming to feel a heavy presence pressing on their chest.

One of the most disturbing legends suggests that not all the bodies were properly laid to rest—some spirits may have never left. Paranormal investigators have captured EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) of voices whispering, “I’m still here.”

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The embalming room is considered the most active paranormal hotspot. Many who enter report feeling sick, dizzy, or overwhelmed with a sudden sense of sorrow. Some claim to hear the faint sounds of gurney wheels rolling, even when the room is empty.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Varies (seasonal haunted attraction pricing)
• Tour Availability: Paranormal tours available throughout the year
• Photography Allowed? Yes (except in restricted areas)
• Visiting Hours: Hours vary depending on events and tours

Best Time to Visit

• The fall season, particularly in October, is the best time to experience The Mortuary, as it operates as a large-scale haunted attraction.
• Paranormal investigators recommend visiting late at night, when the building is at its quietest and spirits are more active.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

The Mortuary has been featured on multiple paranormal TV shows, including Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures, where investigators recorded unexplained noises, moving objects, and eerie disembodied voices. Paranormal teams have also documented shadow figures on thermal cameras and EVPs that suggest intelligent hauntings.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• While The Mortuary is open to the public, unauthorized entry after hours is strictly prohibited.
• Some areas of the building are off-limits due to structural concerns and potential safety hazards.